who imitate animal sounds, for example. It is said: “We do not set an evil example.” This is what the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said; therefore, it is not permissible to imitate animals.

His statement, “The one who takes back his gift is like a dog that vomits and then returns to its vomit,” is a parable intended to portray the act as repulsive and abhorrent. The dog is vile—among the lowliest and ugliest of animals. Indeed, as far as we know, it is the most impure of animals, for its impurity must be washed seven times, one of them with soil (1). It vomits, then returns and eats its vomit! This is a vile act. Such is the one who gives a gift and then takes it back: he is like a dog that vomits and then returns to its vomit. Even if we assume that, when he takes it back, the donee is pleased and does not mind, we say: this is unlawful and impermissible.

If this is unlawful, then when a person gives something as a gift, his heart should not remain attached to it. Some people give something away either because they are suddenly delighted with its recipient or because of an overwhelming feeling of affection at that moment; then they regret it and say, “If only I had not given it away.” This is not appropriate. Whatever you give away, give it wholeheartedly, and do not let your heart remain attached to it. It has left you by Allah’s decree and by sacred law, so how can you remain attached to it when it cannot possibly return to you? Thus, it is not permissible for him to take back his gift.

If someone were to ask: Could we not analogize it to a sale and say that, so long as both parties remain in the same session, the donor has the option to withdraw?

The answer is no, because a sale is a compensatory contract that requires deliberation. A person may hastily proceed with a sale without proper consideration, so the Lawgiver has granted him a period of respite so long as they remain in the same session. A gift, however, is a gratuitous contract,